2021 Alumni of the Year Award Recipients
The UCLA School of Dentistry is proud to relaunch its tradition of recognizing distinguished alumni who have made sterling contributions in the advancement of dentistry, education, leadership, and public service. We are pleased to announce Dr. Lawrence E. Wolinsky and Dr. Jessica (De Bord) Webb as the 2021 Alumni of the Year Award recipients.
Lawrence E. Wolinsky, PhD, DMD, Certificate in Periodontics ‘86
An extraordinary leader, Dr. Lawrence Wolinsky is Dean Emeritus of the Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. Prior to his retirement in 2021, he served as faculty of the UCLA School of Dentistry from 1980 until 2011.
While at UCLA Dentistry, he held several senior administrative positions including Associate Director of the Dental Research Institute and Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Personnel. Dr. Wolinsky is a Life member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology. Dr. Wolinsky is a fellow in the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists and a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society.
His research expertise lies in the area of clinical and translational research. He has served on blue ribbon panels to the California Dental Board and the California Dental Association on issues related to dental unit waterlines. Dr. Wolinsky has made impactful contributions to the dental literature on the chemotherapeutic approaches to controlling dental caries and periodontal disease.
Dr. Wolinsky received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of California, Riverside followed by his PhD in organic chemistry from the University of California, San Diego. Upon completion of a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in immunochemistry at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, he entered Tufts University School of Dentistry where he received his dental degree. He received his advanced certificate in periodontics from UCLA in 1986.
Jessica (De Bord) Webb, DDS ’07, MSD, MA, MSRT
As a compassionate advocate for our most vulnerable, Dr. Jessica Webb is currently a pediatric dentist practicing at Children’s Village, an interdisciplinary clinic for children with developmental disabilities in Yakima, Washington. She serves as the Associate Program Director for the NYU Langone Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry residency in Yakima. Dr. Webb co-authored the textbook Dental Care for Children with Special Needs. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She has served on the AAPD Committee on Special Needs for over 10 years including as chair for 5 years. She also serves on the AAPD Council on Post-Doctoral Education and Council on Scientific Affairs.
Dr. Webb was the 2020 recipient of the AAPD’s Album award, which recognizes individuals for their contribution to the oral health of children with special needs. The work that she does for our Special Patient Care population speaks volumes about her leadership and commitment to our most vulnerable.
Dr. Webb completed her bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University and then attended dental school at UCLA. She trained in pediatric dentistry at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident. She also earned a master’s in dentistry and a master’s in bioethics and humanities. Additionally, Dr. Webb completed a master’s in recreational therapy at Indiana University and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.